Villagers angry over shut bridge

Cars can only cross the bridge using a chicane

Herefordshire villagers have accused the council of maladministration over a bridge which has been partially closed for six months.

The Colwall bridge was shut in August on safety grounds and is now open only to light traffic following a chicane.

Villagers say the narrow chicane has damaged cars while business turnover is down by 40% since the bridge closure.

Herefordshire Council said it was aware of the complaint to the local government ombudsman.

Campaigners said they had been told plans for a temporary bailey bridge had been abandoned and they were unhappy that the council was still in talks with the bridge's owners Network Rail six months later.

'Isolated' village

Adrian Mealing, who lives in the village, said a diversionary route along minor roads around the village was dangerous and had resulted in a HGV getting stuck on a narrow turn in January.

This had effectively "isolated" the village for five hours he said.

He said the complaint centred on the council's alleged negligence and accused it of closing the bridge without consultation, implementing dangerous alternative routes, insufficient effort, not informing council committees and poor communication.

The council said in a statement: "The council understands the effect on the local community and local businesses as a result of the problems with the bridge and will cooperate fully with the ombudsman in responding to the complaint.

"Once the Ombudsman has made his decision, his findings will be made public. However, we do not feel it is right for the council to comment until then."

Campaigners are holding a public meeting at the village hall on 25 February.